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List of the Types of Columns Used in Construction

A list of the types of column used in construction:

In the construction industries various types of columns are used in construction industries. Classification of the types of columns depends upon several conditions, they are: a) Based on the Shape, b) Based on the Type of Reinforcement, c) Based on the Type of Loading, d) Based on Slenderness Ratio, e) Based on Construction Materials.

Based on the Shape - Stated below are types of columns based on shape:

1. Square or Rectangular Column: This kind is mostly used in the construction of buildings and heavy structures. Constructing and casting rectangular or square columns is a lot easier than circular ones the reason being the ease of shuttering and to support it from collapsing as a result of pressure when the concrete is still in flowable form. When it comes to cost the square or rectangular ones are cheaper and better.

2. Circular Column: In piling and elevation of the buildings circular columns are highly used for aesthetic purposes.

More than 4 longitudinal steel bars are used as a reinforcement bar in a circular column and it also has a bending resistance which is usually higher than the square or rectangular column. Due to good resistance against deflection circular columns are also used other than buildings as bridge pillars.

3. L and T shaped Column: The L-shaped column is usually used in the corners of the boundary wall and its characteristics are similar to that of the rectangular or square column. Based on the design requirements of the structure the T-shaped column is utilized. It is mostly used to construct bridges.

Columns based on the Type of Reinforcement - Stated below are the types of columns based on shape:

1. Tied Column: From reinforced concrete this kind of column is mostly constructed.It is within closely spaced tie reinforcement that the longitudinal reinforcements are confined in. There will be shear failure and barreling in between ties in the columns if the ties are spaced too far apart. 95% of all building columns are tied columns is what is estimated.

2. Spiral Column: Spiral columns are formed when the columns are reinforced with closely and uniformly spaced spiral reinforcement.

The function of the spiral column is mostly to provide to support in the transverse direction and also to stop the column from barreling. There are 6 bars which are used as longitudinal reinforcement in the spirally reinforced columns.

3. Composite Column: The composite columns consist of structural steel or cast-iron column that is enclosed with concrete, and it is also reinforced with longitudinal as well as spiral reinforcement. It is mostly used in truss structures to avoid the corrosion of steel. Even with a fairly small cross-section composite column can provide enough strength, and also, can exhibit good fire performance.

Based on the Type of Loading - Stated below are the types of columns based on loading:

1. Axially Loaded Column: Axially loaded columns can be termed as those columns in which the vertical axial loads act on the center of gravity of the cross-section of the column. There is a rare usage of axially loaded column in construction the reason being it is almost impractical for the vertical loads to act on the center of gravity of the column section. One of the examples of this kind of column is the interior column of multi-story buildings where with symmetrical loads from floor slabs from all sides is carried.

2. Uniaxial Eccentrically Loaded Column: Uniaxial Eccentrically Loaded column are those whose axis of vertical loads doesn’t cross with C.G. (center of gravity) of a cross-section of the column, it instead acts eccentrically either on the X or Y axis of the column cross-section.When columns are rigidly connected beam from one side to only say edge columns this kind of column with this loading system is used.

3. Biaxial Eccentrically Loaded Column: Biaxial eccentrically loaded columns are those when vertical loads on the column do not coincide with the center of gravity of the column cross-section and it also does not on wither axis (X and Y axis). In corner columns with beams rigidly connected at right angles at the top of columns is where the columns with biaxial loading are vastly used. These types of columns are used in special types of construction.

Based on Slenderness Ratio - Given below is a list of types of columns based on slenderness ratio:

1. Short Column: Short column is when the ratio of the effective length of the column to the least lateral dimension is less than 12. Failure of a short column is when it crushes of the concrete (pure compression failure).

2. Long Column: Long columns are those whose ratio of the effective length of the column to the least lateral dimension is more than 12. Failure of a long column is due to bending or buckling. In comparison to short columns long columns are weaker even though they are of the same cross-sectional area and but these are not generally preferred.

Based on Construction Materials - Stated below are the types of columns based on slenderness ratio:

1. Reinforced Concrete Column: Reinforced concrete columns are the columns which is reinforced with steel. In building construction this type of column is mostly used. The characteristic of concrete is that it is strong in compression and weak in tension. Which is why steel reinforcement is used to increase its tension capacity.

2. Steel Column: Steel columns are the columns which are made from steel. In steel structure construction there are a number of trends in steel structure construction in the world. The steel structure is comparatively more flexible, strong, and durable than concrete structure. There are different types of steel columns like the T section steel column which is most commonly used in steel structure.

3. Timber Column: Timber columns are those columns which is made from timber. Such type of columns was extremely popular in the previous century. You will mostly spot timber in the old building the reason for this is it was the only construction material that was easily available then. Given proper treatment the timer is a strong and durable construction material. The seasoning of timber is done to remove the moisture from wood which can provide it strength and also reduce weight.

4. Brick Column: For load-bearing structures brick masonry type of columns are mostly used.The brick column plays an important role in supporting and increasing the stability of the masonry structure. At times,for aesthetic appearance the construction of brick masonry columns is preferred over the concrete column. There are a number of cross-sections for brick masonry columns such as round, rectangle or square, or elliptical.

5. Block Column: The Block types of columns are made from AAC block or cement concrete block. When compared to concrete columns the structural weight of block column is less than concrete column.

6. Stone Column: Stone columns are the type of columns which are made by using stones and rubble. Stone columns are mostly used to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a house.